Ultimate Glacier National Park Elopement Guide | Updated for 2023
How to elope in Glacier National Park (Updated for 2023)
If you’ve been looking for the perfectttt place for a mountain elopement or destination micro-wedding, then this blog post is exactly what you need. Glacier National Park in NW Montana has anything and everything you could be looking for: small town charm surrounding the park, forests + trees, waterfalls, lakes, mountain views for days, nature trails and hikes, or insane views right outside your car. There are SO MANY options for making this wedding destination the perfect experience for you and your partner. Keep on reading for EVERYTHING you need to know about how to elope in Glacier National Park.
Table of Contents
Actionable step-by-step instructions for planning your Glacier National Park Wedding or Elopement
Closest major towns/cities
How to get to Glacier National Park
Closest airports
Driving instructions
Glacier National Park Wedding Special Use Permit
Glacier National Park Entry Fees & Passes
Top 5 Best Locations for Your Glacier National Park Elopement
The Best Time of Year to Get Married at Glacier National Park
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
Campgrounds
Airbnbs/VRBOs/Cool rentals
Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer
Glacier National Park Elopement Videographer
Why should you hire an all-inclusive photo + video team for your Glacier National Park Elopement?
Inclusive Photographer + Videographer | Your Montana BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Videographer and Photographer
Montana State Marriage Laws/How to Get Your Montana Marriage License
Sample Sunrise Timeline
Sample Sunset Timeline
Actionable step-by-step instructions for planning your Glacier National Park wedding or elopement:
Hire your photo/video team — click here to figure out if we’re the best fit for you!
Chat about your vision for terrain/weather and make an informed decision on time of year based on that! (Keep reading for more tips!)
Pick a few dates in that time period based off our availability for photo/video!
Brain dump a list of ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that might be fun to do on your wedding day and we’ll help you with logistics/geography haha!
Submit your ceremony application — find out how to submit your app later in this post, and ask for our guidance on what location to put in based off your vision/goals!
Let us help you find the perfect vendors!
We’ll be in touch throughout the planning process, and you’ll fill out homework for us so we can best serve you, capping everything off with a final call to nail down logistics.
We’ll have the best time ever!
Where is Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is in NW Montana in the Rocky Mountains. The park is approximately 40 miles northeast of Kalispell on U.S. Highways 2 and 89 and near U.S. Highways 91 and 93.
Closest Major Cities/Towns:
Driving Time From Kalispell: 43 min (33.5 mi) via U.S. Hwy 2 E/U.S. Rte 2 E and U.S. Rte 2 E
Driving Time From Whitefish: 32 min (26.3 mi) via U.S. Rte 2 E
Driving Time From Bigfork: 49 min (39.2 mi) via Montana Hwy 35 W and U.S. Rte 2
Driving Time from Columbia Falls: 21 min (17.5 mi) via U.S. Rte 2 E
Driving Time from Browning: 26 min (20.0 mi) via U.S. Rte 2 W
How to Get to Glacier National Park
Closest Major Airports:
Glacier Park International Airport to West Glacier: 31 min (24.5 mi) via U.S. Rte 2 E
Missoula Airport to West Glacier: 2 hr 23 min (132.2 mi) via US-93 N and Montana Hwy 35 W
Spokane International Airport to West Glacier: 4 hr 44 min (278.1 mi) via I-90 E
How to Drive to Glacier National Park
I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that GNP is hugeeee — there are 7 entrances to Glacier National Park and 3 of them connect to the Going-To-The-Sun Road. The entrances connecting to Going to the Sun Road are the West Glacier Entrance, the Saint Mary Entrance, and the Camas Creek Entrance. I mostly refer to the West entrance because it’s the most accessible entrance to where most of my couples choose to stay! You can refer to the directions above to get to West Glacier from different points, but here is a link to the park’s page with directions, transportation, and road conditions!
Why Should You Elope at Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is magic. I know, I know; I’m biased — I live here. The Rocky Mountains, NW Montana in general — this area is in my heart.
Butttt…it should say something that this area doesn’t get old for me. It’s constantly taking my breath away, it’s endlessly inspiring. I love Montana, I love Glacier. Truly.
With that said: Why should YOU get married in Glacier National Park?
Wellll, my friends, you’re probably reading this blog post because you have reverence for nature. You love epic views — mountains, forests, alpine lakes, waterfalls. You love to travel. You love adventure. You love small town charm — hometown cooking, breweries, friendly faces. You want to make the beginning of your marriage an experience you’re sharing with your partner…not just a huge strictly scheduled event full of obligation.
You want epic photos + videos…buttt, more than that, you want to feel the moments you’re in.
The great thing about Glacier? You can make it exactly what you need it to be.
You don’t have to be an incredible athlete/crazy hiker to enjoy the stunning views in Glacier —- butttt there is plenty of hiking if that’s your thing.
You don’t have to spend your entire day in the park. Do you two like to bop around towns you visit, eat at a bunch of places, try local coffee and brews? No problem.
If you’re home bodies that love slow living, maybe an evening in your quaint cabin rental reflects your personalities best.
Maybeee we’re going bar hopping late night after your adventure session.
Maybe you want to build in an activity, like fishing or boating.
Maybe you don’t want to make too specific of a plan… you want to bop around exploring the park, and to just…be.
It’s time to release yourselves from expectations. It’s time to plan a day that looks and feels like YOU. Let’s do this.
FAQ’s About Eloping at Glacier National Park
Can you elope at Glacier National Park?
Yes!! Anddd, friend, “elope” doesn’t have to mean “running away in secret.” You can get married in the park and then have a big reception later, or have a super small wedding in the park with your closest loved ones.
How much is it to elope in Glacier National Park/How much does it cost to get married at Glacier National Park?
It costs $125 to submit your ceremony permit application.
Where can I elope Glacier National Park?
There are SO MANY beautiful locations in the park to get married!
Do you need a witness to elope in Montana?
Yes, and we can sign as witnesses if you’d like!
Do you need an officiant to get married in Montana?
Nope! Just ask about self solemnization at the courthouse when you pick up your license — they’ll ask if you want them to file it right there or if you want to take it with you to sign at the actual ceremony. I honestly think it’s easier if you just do it there so you don’t have to bring it back!
Can you get married same day in Montana?
Yes!
What do you need to elope in Montana?
Your marriage license, special use permit, and prolly me.
Can you elope without telling anyone?
Sure! That is the traditional definition of eloping.
Does eloping have to be a secret?
Nope! You can bring along your loved ones, or even have a big party or traditional wedding back home at a later date and premier your elopement film so everyone feels like they were a part of it!
Are dogs allowed at Glacier National Park?
Yes, but there are specific designated areas where you can bring your dogs!
Glacier National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits
National Parks are fairly strict with permits and have detailed processes that couples need to follow — butttt, good news: Glacier National Park has super straightforward rules + regulations! I knowww that it’s SO confusing and overwhelming while you’re in the initial stages of planning your elopement or destination wedding, but I promise that you’ve got this! Let’s break this down super simply:
Glacier National Park Wedding Special Use Permit
Let’s chat about Glacier National Park’s wedding special use permit! Glacier has a specific list of locations where you can recite your vows/hold your ceremony. You can apply for a ceremony permit at this link. When you are granted a permit, you and your wedding party will NOT need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Vehicle Reservation — Special Use Permits are considered a “service reservation” under the vehicle reservation system in 2023. The ceremony permit grants you access to the location for two hours. Click here for the list of wedding locations — keep in mind that we’re free to explore other locations in the park before or after your permitted time/location! It costs $125 to submit your application to get married in the park. Most locations can accommodate around 20 people, but the amphitheaters can accommodate way more! You and your guests will still need a regular park pass!
Glacier National Park Entry Fees & Passes
Your permit will act as your vehicle pass, but you will still need to purchase an entrance pass for $35.
Top 5 Best Locations for Your Glacier National Park Elopement
1. Sun Point
Sun Point is my absolute favorite elopement location in Glacier National Park. I love when couples enter through the West entrance because then they’re able to drive almost the entirety of Going to the Sun Road before reaching their ceremony spot — it’s a blast to watch them take in the views and experience Glacier for the first time. Sun Point itself is GORGEOUS, and it’s a short nature trail walk to get to so it has ~hiking vibes~ while being superrrr doable in wedding attire. The trail is super short and fairly easy, so it’s nice for kids and elderly guests! Sun Point is almost always super windy — which might *sound* like a con, but I love the drama that wind brings to photos and videos haha!
2. Pray Lake
Pray Lake is a great ceremony option if you love the idea of a gorgeous mountain lake ceremony without having to hike! There are SO MANY background options at Pray Lake and it’s super accessible — wheelchair users might opt for this location because of the flat trail near the shoreline.
3. Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is probably the most popular ceremony spot for good reason — the scenery is lovely, of course, but it’s the most convenient location for those who want to hit multiple spots during their adventure session in West Glacier and if you have dinner or reception plans outside of the park. Lake McDonald is right by the west entrance of the park!
4. Many Glacier
I’m obsessedddd with Many Glacier for its stunning mountain views, bear grass + wildflowers, and the unique experience of taking the boat ride on Swiftcurrent Lake to go take the short hike to Lake Josephine.
5. Polebridge
I have SUCH a soft spot for Polebridge, MT. Polebridge itself isn’t technically part of the park, but it’s the gateway to the North Fork entrance. Polebridge is a stunning, unique beauty — there is a ton of old burned forest combined with the massive peaks that come out of nowhere. We love to fish the Flathead River as we make our way toward Polebridge, and then we alwayssss stop for a famous Huckleberry Bearclaw at the mercantile — the unique and historic Polebridge Mercantile is a combination store, post office, gas station and a few rental cabins.The Northern Lights Saloon serves beer and meals beneath propane lights. Polebridge is seriously so special, everyone should visit at least once. Then, through the North Fork entrance of Glacier National Park, you can visit one of our favorite spots: Bowman Lake. Bowman Lake has some of the most insane mountain views combined with blue water that looks like glass. It’s out of a picture book.
The Best Time of Year to Get Married at Glacier National Park
Honestly, I think Glacier is gorgeous no matter what the season — it just depends on what your goals are! Keep reading for a breakdown of all four seasons in Glacier National Park.
SUMMER (JULY-AUGUST)
Weather
July + August is our best bet for sun, but it’s Montana — there are nooo guarantees with the weather. Going to the Sun Road typically opens the first week of July!
Crowds
This is obviously when the crowds will be the craziest! I tend to ask my couples to plan their days around sunrise or sunset for the best lighting AND for the least amount of crowds possible!
FALL (SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER)
Weather
September + October make way for the most stunning fall colors you’ve ever seen. The tamaracks take my breath away year after year — there is NOTHING more beautiful than NW Montana in the fall. Buttttt — if you’re someone who worries about weather/can’t roll with the punches with the snow…then it might not be worth the risk!
Crowds
The crowds in GNP tend to taper off after Labor Day, and weekday elopements are a safe bet for less crowds.
WINTER (NOVEMBER-MARCH)
Weather
Winter in Glacier is absolutely stunning! We are limited to areas of the park near the entrances, but if you and your partner love the idea of a winter wonderland, then a Glacier ceremony combined with exploring the charming small towns near Glacier or a bonfire back at your cabin rental or even a ski day at Whitefish might be the experience for you.
Crowds
Winter is definitely the least busy time of year in the park, but the small towns are bustling around Christmas! It’s a really fun experience — NW Montana goes hard for the holidays.
SPRING (APRIL-JUNE)
Weather
Spring could be lovely and sunny, rainy, or an outright blizzard. I’m down for it all, but please only plan for spring if you’re laid-back and ready to roll the dice haha!
Crowds
Glacier is pretty tame in the Spring, getting busier the further into June we get and the further that Going to the Sun Road opens up!
Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
Campgrounds
Airbnbs/VRBOs/Cool rentals
Hiring your photo/video team
Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer
intimate, adventurous, true-to-you —
Whether it’s just the two of you, or you have 20ish stragglers tagging along to kick off your marriage with an incredible Montana expedition, my hope is to craft an *experience* that feels like YOU. Think about your greatest adventure, your perfect date, the things you two do together that make you feel the most alive and authentic.
Let's plan for the memory, not just the vows and pretty pictures. Think about EXACTLY what you want or what you would do on the loveliest weekend getaway you can dream up — a vision that makes you smile. Pancakes and coffee in your pj's all day before an evening vow exchange, adventures, fishing, picnic, it literally doesn't matter...I’m just a third wheel.
Finally, wedding planning shouldn’t be stressful — if it doesn’t feel good, let that thing go.
CLICK HERE FOR INFO + PRICING FOR PHOTOGRAPHY!
Glacier National Park Elopement Videographer
STORY-DRIVEN, TRUE-TO-LIFE, NOSTALGIC VIDEO
Videography is all about capturing the beginning of your marriage in movement. I want you to remember the way you both looked, the way you felt, the tiny details you noticed in passing, the words you whispered to one another that would be lost over the howling mountain wind or the roaring waterfall or the white city noise if it weren’t for the microphones clipped, forgotten, to your collars.
Forget trends, forget slow motion overly-posed wedding videos, forget posturing — we’re making you a nostalgic home video mixed with an indie film.
CLICK HERE FOR INFO + PRICING FOR VIDEOGRAPHY!
Why should you hire an all-inclusive photo + video team for your Glacier National Park Elopement?
If you value story-driven photography and videography that brings you back to how you actually *felt* in the moments that are captured, then bring it one step forward by hiring a team that carries over the same style + philosophy in both mediums. I am so passionate about prioritizing how you feel and your memories over POSING all day — you’re eloping for a reason, omg.
Inclusive Photographer + Videographer | Your Montana BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Videographer and Photographer
Omg, it drives me nuts that we still live in a world where this needs to be said, but I feel compelled to make this extremely clear: We are an inclusive service. We can tell EVERY type of love story, and we can tell it well. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sex, gender identity, or orientation. ALL love is love — anddd, friends, Glacier is for everybody. We’ve got you.
Glacier National Park Elopement Vendors
If you’re looking for vendors for your Glacier National Park elopement or micro-wedding, then the following list is a great place to start!
Planners/Coordinators
Kate Lynn Events | Website
Rental Companies
Hair/Makeup
Florists
Field Five Flowers | Website
DJ’s
Caterers
Videographers
Montana Diaries | CLICK HERE FOR INFO + PRICING
Officiants
Other
More Glacier National Park Wedding Planning Resources
Here are some incredible Glacier National Park weddings to check out:
Montana State Marriage Laws/How to Get Your Montana Marriage License
Our Glacier National Park + Flathead Valley couples can apply for your marriage license online here — there is a $53 fee: CLICK HERE
For our couples getting married in a different county, find the applicable courthouse! Don’t forget you’ll need your license or passport to pick up the license.
After the license is signed, drop it off or mail it to the correct courthouse.
Sample Glacier National Park Elopement Timelines
SAMPLE SUNRISE CEREMONY TIMELINE FROM A REAL ELOPEMENT:
4:00am - E+ G wake up & get ready (no video/photo needed)
5:45am/6am - Montana Diaries comes to Airbnb & leave for first look
**15 min drive from Airbnb to Apgar Village**
6:00am/6:15am - First look at Lake McDonald at sunrise
7:00am - Leave for Sun Point
** 1 hour 20 min drive from Lake McDonald to Sun Point
9:00am-11:00am - ceremony + picnic at Sun Point
11am-1pm Adventuring on GTSR
1pm-2pm - rent a motor boat and cruise on Lake McDonald
2pm - end up at Airbnb - cut cake, etc.
SAMPLE SUNSET CEREMONY TIMELINE FROM A REAL ELOPEMENT:
12:45 PM - Photo + Video coverage begins at Airbnb
*Candid getting ready/details
1:45 PM - Leave Airbnb for Glacier National Park
3:30 PM - First look at Two Medicine Lake
4:00 PM - Ceremony at Pray Lake
After: Adventure session until dark
8:30 PM - Back at Airbnb for privately catered dinner
*Photos + video of tablescape
Glacier National Park Elopement Packing List
Your ceremony permit
Your park pass
Bear spray
Picnic food + water!
Your bouquet
Marriage license
Extra socks/shoes in case your feet get wet on the hike!
Bug spray
Jacket
Umbrella
Tennis shoes/hiking boots (If you have heels or loafers for your fit!)
Snow shoes if applicable!
Get to Know the Regions of Glacier National Park
If you want to get married in Glacier National Park, you might be feeling overwhelmed with how huge the park is and the fact that there are SEVEN different entrances! I totally get it — let me break it all down for you:
1.West Glacier Entrance:
I’d say West Glacier is considered the “main” entrance to the park because it’s the one closest to the towns where almost everyone stays — Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, and Columbia Falls. The West Entrance has a ton of tourist shops, the Apgar Visitor Center, and it’s the main entrance that connects to Going to the Sun Road.
2. Saint Mary Entrance:
The Saint Mary Entrance is the entrance that connects to the opposite end of Going to the Sun Road. It’s home to Saint Mary Lake and Saint Mary Visitor Center.
2. East Glacier/Two Medicine Entrance:
The Two Medicine Entrance is accessible through East Glacier — it’s home to a few of our favorite locations: Two Medicine Lake, Pray Lake, and Running Eagle Falls.
3. North Fork/Polebridge Entrance:
This entrance is on the west side of the park and is home to more remote/backcountry hikes, but Polebridge itself is a *must see.* If you love to fish, love small-town charm and kitschy tourist stops, and more remote access to nature, then this is the entrance for you.
4. Many Glacier Entrance:
Many Glacier is home to tons of amazing hiking, alpine lakes, wildlife, and the iconic Many Glacier Hotel.
5. Camas Creek:
I honestly don’t really know why this is considered a separate entrance from West Glacier, but it’s sort of a back-alley way of getting to that entrance haha. If you’re staying between Polebridge and West Glacier, you might end up taking this one!
6. Cut Bank Entrance:
This area is the most primitive/least accessed portion of the park! It’s obviously stunning, but if you have other goals for your trip other than camping then I would probably steer you toward another option.
Glacier National Park Elopement Activity Ideas
Cruising on Lake McDonald with a motorboat
Hiking
Fly fishing
White water rafting
Dancing/Karaoke at the Blue Moon
Bar hopping in Whitefish, MT
Private chef dining back at your lodging
Skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Skiing at Blacktail
Boating at Flathead Lake
Boating at Whitefish Lake
A romantic evening in — a fire, hot tubbing, board games, charcuterie at your lodging!?
Strolling around Bigfork, MT
Going to a brewery
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